A few weeks ago, the FVMP joined the Valencia Alliance Against Inflation summit to address the impact of rising prices on municipalities. The question stands: what outcomes were reached from this collaboration?
Under the encouragement of the Generalitat Valenciana, the FVMP organized a gathering that brought together regional and local governments, councils, trade unions, and representatives from social and business sectors to present a united front against inflation.
Inflation touches all Valencians and weighs most on vulnerable families in the region. Because of this, it is crucial to reduce price pressures and ensure access to essential goods and services at the municipal level, utilizing all available tools.
The group outlined several objectives. They aim to support families through the current price crisis with short-term measures that strengthen social networks, while also advancing the energy transition, reducing energy costs for municipal services and infrastructure, and educating residents on efficient energy use.
Additionally, they proposed measures to counter price hikes in the food sector, support actions like free public transportation, and consider reductions, freezes, deferrals, or moratoriums on both mandatory and optional taxes. They also highlighted energy efficiency programs and the potential to reduce or suspend municipal tariffs and prices.
The discussion repeatedly invited consideration of major government strategies tied to Next Generation Funds. Yet these discussions also explored what smaller European aid programs could mean for municipalities on the ground.
European funds can provide an extra revenue stream, but the most valuable aspect lies in access to the information generated by these projects. The goal of European initiatives is to propose innovative solutions to shared challenges that can be adapted across countries. Participating in such initiatives broadens perspectives and helps smaller municipalities realize they are not alone in facing demographic challenges common to many European regions.
Participation in these projects also offers access to good practices and cutting-edge information that can be applied by municipalities of any size. The federation emphasizes its pivotal role in educating communities about European funds.
In 2019, the European projects department received enhanced support as part of a new legislative period, leading to the creation of the Pont a Europa office. This office informs, educates, and guides municipalities and associations in participation for European projects related to both the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021/2027 and the Next Generation Funds. This effort was made possible through a cooperative agreement signed in 2020 with the Generalitat Valenciana presidency.
The outcomes have been notable. The Pont office emerged from a clear demand from municipalities. They wanted to take part in European projects but lacked guidance. The office was designed to assist public officials and municipal technicians, enabling regional municipalities of all sizes to participate effectively.
On the topic of depopulation policies, the Generalitat supported the AVANT 20-30 strategy. What does this strategy entail? The FVMP began addressing demographic challenges years ago with a Forum of Interior Municipalities. In 2020, the Valencia Office against depopulation was created in collaboration with AVANT Agenda.
Among the programs highlighted, ITINERANT delivers essential professional services at residents’ homes, REVIU provides guidance to families embarking on rural life projects, DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP trains residents of the region’s smaller municipalities in new technologies, and Route 99 drives a bold initiative to promote domestic tourism.
The question was also asked about the Tourist Municipal Regulation and its purpose. The Tourist Municipality Bylaw outlines requirements for municipalities seeking tourist cataloging. The FVMP, in partnership with the Valencia Tourism Agency, is negotiating these requirements and seeking greater flexibility. The objective is to attract more investment into tourism-focused municipalities, enriching the Valencia Community brand.
There is a commitment to recognizing the tourism sector as a driver of growth that advances hospitality, sustainability, accessibility, and digital transformation. A new model of a tourism-oriented city is in view, one that the federation aims to understand and implement.
The rationale for creating the Valencia Municipal Broadcasting Network, known as XEMV, is to connect a network of radio stations across the Community of Valencia with local content aligned to nearby communities. The emphasis is on providing useful, timely information to residents, supporting them, engaging their interests, and offering entertainment. This community media role gained additional value during the pandemic when locals relied on continuous access to local news around the clock.
Keeping channels of communication open and ensuring information remains truthful and unbiased is essential. The XEMV project grows from a belief that every piece of knowledge helps communities move toward more responsible and democratic governance.
Regarding the 2030 Agenda, Valencia’s municipalities show a strong commitment to sustainable development goals. SDGs have been integrated as cross-cutting targets in many local initiatives. Local governments are among the most active drivers of inclusive, safe, sustainable, and resilient cities, incorporating goals related to education, equality, mobility, and the environment into everyday actions.
In addition, a contract was signed to promote SDG compliance across municipal governance. The aim is to raise awareness and to share best practices among local authorities within the Valencian Community. The vision is to make sustainable development a daily, visible priority, encouraging ongoing efforts toward better environments and higher quality of life through coordinated global and local action.
As for leadership, the FVMP notes that the current term has been demanding due to the pandemic. Yet progress has been made through plans like the Elda 2030 Strategic Plan and the Urban Agenda. Elda was selected as one of the cities to contribute to national urban action plans, highlighting the city’s progress and the opportunities ahead for sustainability, mobility, and efficiency. The Local Action Plan outlines twenty-two initiatives designed to position Elda as a benchmark for other municipalities, with a focus on smart urban renewal, sustainable energy, and a vibrant cultural and commercial scene.
The Region’s investment stands at twenty million euros through the Elda Renace Plan, enabling significant improvements in employment quality, city modernization, livability, and preservation of heritage. The city has expanded its educational offerings, doubling the number of training cycles with more than two thousand five hundred positions at local VET centers. The aim is to sharpen the skills of the regional workforce, boosting competitiveness and overall well‑being.
With 2030 on the horizon, ambitious plans continue to unfold. The Urban Agenda includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, advancing sustainable energy and a circular economy, continuing urban renewal, and expanding the city’s tourism and commercial sectors. The transformation and modernization of Elda are underway and will evolve through ongoing projects that shape a smarter, more vibrant community.
These developments promise a future where the region remains dynamic, resilient, and ready to embrace new opportunities for its residents.